Let words be few

Let words be few, and guard your steps into the holy place; 

With reverence listen for the Lord in God's own sacred space.

Now listen well in quiet time; speak not in undue haste,

Lest mindless words turn sacred time into a foolish waste.

For God above is God alone, and you on earth God's child;

So let your words be few and wise, your witness undefiled.

Let not your mouth leave you in sin and wand'ring from the way,

Lest God be grieved by harmful words that cause your heart to stray.

Let words be few, and guard your steps into the holy place;

With reverence listen for the Lord in God's own sacred space.

Text: Charles Spence Freeman, July 2020 (after Ecclesiastes 5:1-5)

Music: Suggested tune DETROIT, Supplement to Kentucky Harmony, 1820

From a preaching series on Ecclesiastes.